Intraocular lens having hinged haptic structures

ABSTRACT

An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a haptic structure coupled with the optic. The haptic structure includes an inner ring comprising a plurality of hinges such that portions of the inner ring reside at different radii from the optic axis. The haptic structure further includes a first loop extending from the inner ring and having two points of connection to the inner ring and a second loop extending from the inner ring and having two points of connection to the inner ring. The second loop is oriented opposite the first loop.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/033,918 and claims the benefit of priority ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/536,060 titled“INTRAOCULAR LENS HAVING HINGED HAPTIC STRUCTURES,” filed on Jul. 24,2017, whose inventor is William Jacob Spenner Dolla, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and completelyset forth herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic lenses and, moreparticularly, to intraocular lenses having hinged haptic structures.

BACKGROUND

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implanted in patients' eyes either toreplace a patient's lens or to complement the patient's lens. An IOLtypically includes an optic and haptics. The optic, or lens, correctsthe patient's vision typically via refraction or diffraction. Hapticsare support structures that hold the optic in place within the capsularbag of a patient's eye. In some cases, haptics take the form of armsthat are coupled to the optic. The haptics and optic are generallyformed of the same flexible optical material.

In general, a physician selects an IOL for which the optic has theappropriate corrective characteristics for the patient. Duringophthalmic surgery, often performed for other conditions such ascataracts, the surgeon implants the selected IOL. To do so, the surgeonmakes an incision in the capsular bag of the patient's eye and insertsthe IOL through the incision. Typically, the IOL is folded or otherwisecollapsed to a smaller volume for implantation. The surgeon unfolds orexpands the IOL once the IOL is in place. The arms of the haptic expandsuch that a small section of each arm bears on the capsular bag,retaining the IOL in place. The surgeon then closes the incision.

To function acceptably, the IOL is desired to meet certainspecifications. For example, the desired mechanical properties of an IOLare generally expressed in terms of the IOL's force displacement curve.In addition to an acceptable force displacement curve, vaulting shouldbe within specified limits. Vaulting is the movement of the optic alongthe optic axis in response to radial and/or axial compression. The IOLshould also be stable against rotations once implanted within thecapsular bag.

Even if the above specifications are met, the IOL may have shortcomings.IOLs may cause striae, or folds, in the posterior capsular bag. Thestructure of the haptics may exacerbate the formation of striae. Forexample, the arms of some haptics may contact the capsular bag for onlya very small angle. Consequently, more striae may be formed. Striae inthe capsular bag may result in posterior capsular opacification (PCO) byproviding a mechanism for the growth and/or migration of cells. Amechanism for addressing PCO is thus desired.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved IOL that may address PCOwhile maintaining the desired mechanical characteristics.

SUMMARY

An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and ahaptic structure coupled with the optic. The haptic structure includesan inner ring comprising a plurality of hinges such that portions of theinner ring reside at different radii from the optic axis. The hapticstructure further includes a first loop extending from the inner ringand having two points of connection to the inner ring and a second loopextending from the inner ring and having two points of connection to theinner ring. The second loop is oriented opposite the first loop.

In certain embodiments, the ophthalmic device described herein may haveone or more technical advantages. For example, the closed-loop hapticstructure of the ophthalmic device described herein may result in fewerstriae and reduced PCO, yet may be relatively easily implanted.Consequently, performance of the ophthalmic device may be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals indicate like features and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B depict plan and side views of an exemplary embodiment of anophthalmic device having a hinged closed-loop haptic structure;

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a hinged closed-loop haptic structure;

FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a hinged closed-loop haptic structure;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a hinged, three-dimensional closed-loop haptic structure;

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a hinged, three-dimensional closed-loop haptic structure;

FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a hinged haptic structure; and

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings arenot intended to limit the scope of the applicant's disclosure in anyway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments relate to ophthalmic devices such asintraocular lenses (IOLs). The following description is presented toenable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventionand is provided in the context of a patent application and itsrequirements. Various modifications to the exemplary embodiments and thegeneric principles and features described herein will be readilyapparent. Phrases such as “exemplary embodiment”, “one embodiment” and“another embodiment” may refer to the same or different embodiments aswell as to multiple embodiments. The embodiments will be described withrespect to systems and/or devices having certain components. However,the systems and/or devices may include more or less components thanthose shown, and variations in the arrangement and type of thecomponents may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited tothe embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles and features described herein.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic device,which includes an optic including an optic axis and a haptic structurecoupled with the optic. The haptic structure includes an inner ringcomprising a plurality of hinges such that portions of the inner ringreside at different radii from the optic axis. The haptic structurefurther includes a first loop extending from the inner ring and havingtwo points of connection to the inner ring and a second loop extendingfrom the inner ring and having two points of connection to the innerring. The second loop is oriented opposite the first loop.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict plan and side views, respectively, of an exemplaryembodiment of an ophthalmic device 100A having an optic 110 and a hingedclosed-loop haptic structure 120A. For simplicity, the ophthalmic device100A is also referred to as an IOL 100A. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-1B arenot to scale and not all components may be shown.

The optic 110 is an ophthalmic lens 110 that may be used to correct apatient's vision. For example, the optic may be a refractive and/ordiffractive lens. The optic 110 may be a monofocal lens, a multifocallens, a toric lens, or any other suitable type of lens. The anteriorand/or posterior surface of the optic 110 may have features includingbut not limited to a base curvature and diffraction grating(s). Theoptic 110 may refract and/or diffract light to correct the patient'svision. The optic 110 has an optic axis 112 that is out of the plane ofthe page in FIG. 1A. The optic 110 is depicted as having a circularfootprint in the plan view of FIG. 1A. In other embodiments, the optic110 may have a differently shaped footprint. In some embodiments, theoptic 110 may also include other features that are not shown forclarity. The optic 110 may be formed of one or more of a variety offlexible optical materials. For example, the optic 110 may include butis not limited to one or more of silicone, a hydrogel and an acrylicsuch as AcrySof®.

In some embodiments, the optic 110 may be surrounded by another ring, orframe, (not shown) at the periphery of the optic 110. Such a frame wouldbe part of the hinged haptic structure 120A and would couple the hingedhaptic structure haptic 120A with the optic 110. The inner portion ofsuch frame would be desired to match the shape of the optic 110. Inother embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the frame may beomitted. In some embodiments, the hinged haptic structure 120A and theoptic 110 may be molded together. Thus, the optic 110 and haptic 120Amay form a single monolithic structure. In other embodiments, the hingedhaptic structure 120A may be otherwise attached to the optic 110. Forexample, the hinged haptic structure 120A may be bonded to or moldedaround a preexisting optic 110.

The hinged haptic structure 120A is a support structure used to hold theophthalmic device 100A in place in the capsular bag of a patient's eye(not explicitly shown). The hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120Aincludes closed loops 122A-1 and 122A-2 (collectively 122A), inner ring124A and hinges 125A and 126A (of which only one of each is labeled forsimplicity). Also shown are joints 127A and 128A of which only one ofeach is labeled for clarity. As used herein, a hinge is a connectionpoint between two connectors, or members. A joint is a connection pointbetween three or more connectors/members. A member or connector issubstantially straight and/or has a radius of curvature significantlygreater than that of a corresponding hinge. For example, the radius ofcurvature of a member may be at least twice that of a hinge. Joints 127Aare between the inner ring 124A and the struts 121A connecting the innerring 124A to the optic 110. Joints 128A are between the inner ring 124Aand the outer loops 122A.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the inner ring 124A is connectedto the optic 110 via struts 121A-1 and 121A-2 (collectively 121A). Inanother embodiment, another number of struts 121A might be used. Forexample, three, four, five or six struts might be present. In anotherembodiment, the inner ring 124A is directly connected to the optic 110.For example, portions of the hinges 126A that are closest to the optic110 may be bonded to or molded with the optic 110. In such a case, thestruts 121A may but need not be omitted.

The hinges 125A and 126A are part of the inner ring 124A. Hinges 125Aconnect members extending outward from the optic 110 and thus arefurther from the optic 110 than hinges 126A. In contrast, hinges 126Aconnect members extending inward toward the optic 110. When hingedhaptic structure 120A is compressed, the hinges 126A may move toward theoptic 110, while the hinges 125A may move away from the optic 110. Thus,the angles θA-1 and θA-2 decrease in size when the hinged hapticstructure 120A is compressed. Joints 127A and 128A are not expected tomove substantially under lower compressive forces. The flexibility ofthe hinges 125A and 126A may be tailored by configuring thecross-sectional area of the hinges 125A and 126A and the material(s)used for the hinges 125A and 126A. The flexibility of the joints 127Aand 128A may be adjusted using similar parameters. Because the joints127A and 128A occur at the intersection of a larger number of members,the joints 127A and 128A are generally less flexible than the hinges125A and 126A.

The inner ring 124A has an undulating, or wavy, periphery because of thepresence of the hinges 125A and 126A and joints 127A and 128A. Forexample, the shape of the inner ring 124A might be described by asinusoidal curve or other function having a varying amplitude. Thus, thehinges 125A may correspond to maxima for the sinusoidal curve, while thehinges 126A may be the minima. Although a certain number of hinges 125Aand 126A (maxima/minima) are shown, another number may be present.Although a smoothly varying periphery is shown, the periphery may varyin a sharp and/or discontinuous transitions. For example, one or more ofthe hinge(s) 125A and/or 126A may be a sharp corner instead of a curve.In the embodiment shown, each of the hinges 125A, 126A and joints 127Aand 128A subtend substantially the same angle when uncompressed. Thus,the angles θA-1, θA-2, σA and γA are substantially the same. In otherembodiments, one or more of the angles θA-1, θA-2, σA and γA may differ.

The closed loops 122A hold the IOL 100A in position in the patient's eyeby bearing on the capsular bag. Each of the loops 122A subtends a largeangle, ϕA. This angle ϕA is greater than ninety degrees in someembodiments. For example, the angle ϕA may be at least one hundred andtwenty degrees in some cases. Consequently, the loops 122A contact thecapsular bag over a large angle. The capsular bag may thus be extendedover a larger volume. The loops 122A-1 and 122A-2 may thus stretch thecapsular bag over a significantly larger region than haptics having openarms. Further, the contact force between the capsular bag and the closedloops 122A may be more uniform along the loops 122A. These features mayreduce striae and, therefore, PCO.

The hinged haptic structure 120A may also have one or more sharp edges.As depicted in FIG. 1B, the loops 122A have sharp outside corners. Theinner ring 124A may have sharp outside corners (at the outer surface ofthe ring 124A) and/or sharp inside corners (at the inner surface of thering 124A). The optic 110 might have sharp corners (not shown). As aresult, the optic 110 may be surrounded on all sides by sharp edges.These sharp edges may also reduce the probability of cells migrating tothe optic 110 from any side. PCO may be reduced or eliminated.

Use of the IOL 100A may improve patient outcomes. The stiffness of thehinged closed-loop haptic structure 120A can be tailored using thenumber of hinges and/or joints, the cross-sectional area of the hingesand/or joints and material(s) used for the hinges and/or joints. Thus,the response to a radial force, force displacement curve, axial (alongthe optic axis 112) stiffness, vaulting and other mechanical propertiescan be tailored to the desired specifications for the IOL 100A. Theangles θA-1 and θA-2 decrease in size and the hinges 125A and 126A moveradially when the hinged haptic structure 120A is compressed. The innerring 124A and loops 122A tend to remain substantially in the same planewhen under compression. Consequently, vaulting may be reduced andmovement of the hinged haptic structure 120A may be more predictable.The large angle ϕA subtended by the closed loops 122A allows theclosed-loop haptic structure to contact a larger portion of and betterextend the capsular bag. The contact force between the closed loops 122Aand capsular bag may also be more uniform. This may not only improve theaxial and rotational stability of the IOL 100A, but also reduce theformation of striae (wrinkles) in the capsular bag. PCO may thus bemitigated or prevented. Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loop hapticstructure 120A may further reduce PCO.

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100Bhaving an optic 110 and a hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120B. Forsimplicity, the ophthalmic device 100B is also referred to as an IOL100B. The IOL 100B is analogous to the IOL 100A. Consequently, analogouscomponents have similar labels. Thus, the IOL 100B includes an optic 110and closed-loop haptic structure 120B that are analogous to the optic110 and closed-loop haptic structure 120A. For clarity, FIG. 2 is not toscale and not all components may be shown.

The optic 110 may be a refractive and/or diffractive lens and may bemonofocal, multifocal and/or toric. The hinged closed-loop hapticstructure 120B includes closed loops 122B-1 and 122B-2 (collectively122B), inner ring 124B, hinges 125B-1 and 125B-2 and 126B and joints127B and 128B that are analogous to closed loops 122A, inner ring 124A,hinges 125A and 126A and joints 127A and 128A, respectively.

The IOL 100B functions in an analogous manner to and shares analogousbenefits with the IOL 100A. However, the angles subtended by the hinges125B-1 and 125B-2 differ. Similarly, the angles subtended by the hinges125B-1 and 126B differ. Thus, θB-1 differs from θB-2 and θB-3. Theangles subtended by the hinges 125B-1 and the joints 127B and 128B alsodiffer. Thus, θB-1 differs from σB and γB. Consequently, the response ofthe hinged haptic structure 120B may differ from that of the hingedhaptic structure 120A. For example, the inner ring 124B may not reactsymmetrically to a symmetric radial compressive force. However, thebenefits of the hinged haptic structure may be maintained. For example,the response to a radial force, force displacement curve, axialstiffness, vaulting and other mechanical properties can be tailored tothe desired specifications for the IOL 100B. Vaulting may be reduced andmovement of the hinged haptic structure 120B may be more predictable.The large angle ϕB subtended by the closed loops 122B allows theclosed-loop haptic structure to contact a larger portion of and betterextend the capsular bag. The contact force between the closed loops 122Band capsular bag may also be more uniform. This may not only improve theaxial and rotational stability of the IOL 100B, but also reduce theformation of striae in the capsular bag. PCO may thus be mitigated orprevented. Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120Bmay further reduce PCO.

FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100Chaving an optic 110 and a hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120C. Forsimplicity, the ophthalmic device 100C is also referred to as an IOL100C. The IOL 100C is analogous to the IOL(s) 100A and/or 100B.Consequently, analogous components have similar labels. Thus, the IOL100C includes an optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structure 120C thatare analogous to the optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structure(s) 120Aand 120B. For clarity, FIG. 3 is not to scale and not all components maybe shown.

The optic 110 may be a refractive and/or diffractive lens and may bemonofocal, multifocal and/or toric. In some embodiments, the optic 110may be surrounded by another ring, or frame, (not shown) at theperiphery of the optic 110. Such a frame would be part of the hingedhaptic structure 120C and would couple the hinged haptic structurehaptic 120C with the optic 110. The inner portion of such frame would bedesired to match the shape of the optic 110. In other embodiments, suchas that shown in FIG. 3, the frame is omitted. In some embodiments, thehinged haptic structure 120C and the optic 110 may be molded together.Thus, the optic 110 and haptic 120C may form a single monolithicstructure. In other embodiments, the hinged haptic structure 120C may beotherwise attached to the optic 110. For example, the hinged hapticstructure 120C may be bonded to or molded around a preexisting optic110.

The hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120C includes closed loops122C-1 and 122C-2 (collectively 122C), hinges 129C, 130C and 131C andconnectors 132C, 133C, 134C and 135C. For clarity, only one of eachhinge and connector is labeled. However, each loop 122C may include twoof each of the hinges 129C, 130C and 131C and connectors 132C, 133C, and134C. The hinges 129C, 130C and 131C are analogous to the hinges 125A,126A, 125B and 126B in that two connectors meet at each hinge 129C, 130Cand 131C. Although two loops 122C are shown, in another embodiment,another number of loops might be used.

The closed loops 122C retain the IOL 100C in position in the patient'seye by bearing upon the capsular bag. Each of the loops 122C subtends alarge angle, ϕC. The angle ϕC is analogous to the angles ϕA and ϕB. Fora larger number of loops, each loop may subtend a smaller angle.However, because there would be more loops, the total angle subtended bythe loops would still be large. Consequently, the loops 122C contact thecapsular bag over a significantly larger angle than for haptics havingopen arms. As a result, stability may be enhanced and formation ofstriae reduced. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, the loops122C may have sharp edges. In this manner, the loops 122C may beanalogous to the loops 122A and 122B and inner rings 124A and 124B.

The connectors 132C and 134C are radial connectors, while the connectors133C and 135C are axial connectors. The radial connectors 132C and 134Cextend primarily in the radial direction (outward from the optic110/optic axis 112). Stated differently, the radial connectors 132C and134C are less than forty-five degrees from the radial direction. Theaxial connectors 133C and 135C extend primarily around the optic axis112, in the clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction. Thus, theaxial connectors 133C and 135C are less than forty-five degrees from theclockwise/counter-clockwise directions.

The radial connectors 132C and 134C and axial connectors 133C and 135Calternate, with hinges 129C, 130C and 131C located where the connectorsjoin. Thus, the first radial connector 132C is coupled with the optic110. In some embodiments, the radial connector 132C is molded with theoptic 110. In other embodiments, the radial connector 132C is bonded tothe optic 110. The hinge 129C connects the radial connector 132C and theaxial connector 133C, and the hinge 129C forms angle θC. The hinge 130Cconnects the axial connector 133C to the radial connector 134C, and thehinge 130C forms angle αC. The radial connector 134C and the axialconnector 135C are coupled via the hinge 131C, which forms angle γC. Asa result, the hinge 130C and radial connector 134C are on one side ofthe radial connector 132C, while most or all of the axial connector 135Cis on the opposite side of the radial connector 132C. For example, forthe items labeled in FIG. 3, the radial connector 134C is clockwise fromthe radial connector 132C, while most of the axial connector 135C iscounter-clockwise from the radial connector 132C. In addition, theradial connector 134C is further from the optic axis 112 than the radialconnector 132C. The connection of each loop 122C to the optic 110 iscompleted using an analogous series of radial connectors, axialconnectors and hinges. As a result, one or more of the loops 122C has aportion that extends past the attachment point to the optic 110.

Because of the configuration of the loops 122C, the radial connectors134C tend to move perpendicular to the radial direction when placedunder compression. The axial connectors 135C move in the radialdirection toward the optic 110 when under the same compression. As aresult, the haptic 120C tends to remain substantially in plane whencompressed.

The IOL 100C may share many of the benefits of the IOLs 100A and/or100B. The response to a radial force, force displacement curve, axialstiffness, vaulting and other mechanical properties can be tailored tothe desired specifications for the IOL 100C. This may be accomplishedusing the cross-sectional area and materials for each of the hinges andconnectors in the loops 122C. The configuration of the hinges 129C, 130Cand 131C as well as the connectors 132C, 133C, 134C and 135C may allow apredictable compression of the loops 122C that remains substantially inthe plane of the optic 110. The large angle ϕC subtended by the closedloops 122C allows the closed-loop haptic structure to contact a largerportion of and better extend the capsular bag. The contact force betweenthe closed loops 122C and capsular bag may also be more uniform. Thismay not only improve the axial and rotational stability of the IOL 100C,but also reduce the formation of striae in the capsular bag. PCO maythus be mitigated or prevented. Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loophaptic structure 120C may further reduce PCO.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device100D having an optic 110 and a hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120D.For simplicity, the ophthalmic device 100D is also referred to as an IOL100D. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C depict perspective, side and plan views,respectively, of the IOL 100D. The IOL 100D is analogous to the IOLs100A, 100B and 100C. Consequently, analogous components have similarlabels. Thus, the IOL 100D includes an optic 110 and hinged closed-loophaptic structure 120D that are analogous to the optic 110 andclosed-loop haptic structures 120A, 120B and 120C. For clarity, FIGS.4A-4C are not to scale and not all components may be shown.

The optic 110 may be a refractive and/or diffractive lens and may bemonofocal, multifocal and/or toric. In some embodiments, the optic 110may be surrounded by another ring, or frame, (not shown) at theperiphery of the optic 110. Such a frame would be part of the hingedhaptic structure 120D and would couple the hinged haptic structure 120Dwith the optic 110. The inner portion of such frame would be desired tomatch the shape of the optic 110. In other embodiments, such as thatshown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the frame is omitted. In some embodiments, thehinged haptic structure 120D and the optic 110 may be molded together.Thus, the optic 110 and haptic 120D may form a single monolithicstructure. In other embodiments, the hinged haptic structure 120D may beotherwise attached to the optic 110. For example, the hinged hapticstructure 120D may be bonded to or molded around a preexisting optic110.

The hinged haptic structure 120D includes loops 122D-1, 122D-2, 122D-3and 122D-4 (collectively 122D), axial connectors 124D-1, 124D-2, 124D-3and 124D-4 (collectively 124D) and hinges 125D (of which only one islabeled). The loops 122D and hinges 125D are analogous to the loop(s)122A, 122B and/or 122C and hinges 125A and/or 125B. The axial connectors124D may be viewed as forming an inner ring analogous to the ring(s)124A and/or 124B. Alternatively, the loops 122D and axial connectors124D may be viewed as being formed of two alternating trapezoidal unitcells with one having a larger outside radius (loops 122D) and one havea smaller outside radius (axial connectors 124D).

The loops 122D hold the IOL 100D in place in the patient's eye bybearing upon the capsular bag. Each of the loops 122D subtends an angle,ϕD. The total angle subtended (four multiplied by ϕD) is large incomparison to that for haptics having open arms. Thus, the loops 122Dmay stretch the capsular bag to a greater extent than an open armhaptic, improving stability and reducing striae. Although four loops122D are shown, another number may be used in a different embodiment.Further, the loops 122D may subtend different angles in otherembodiments. For example, the loops 122D-2 and 122D-4 may have a largerangle than the loops 122D-1 and 122D-3. Alternatively, the loops 122D-1and 122D-3 may subtend a larger angle than the loops 122D-2 and 122D-4.

In the embodiment shown, the loops 122D have a component parallel to theoptic axis 112. Thus, the hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120D maybe viewed as a three-dimensional structure. Because the loops 122D havecomponents along the optic axis 112, the hinged haptic structure 120Dmay extend the capsular bag not only radially, but also along the opticaxis 112 (e.g. out of the plane of the page in FIG. 4C). The hingedclosed-loop haptic structure 120D may be better able to keep thecapsular bag open. Stated differently, the three-dimensional nature ofthe haptic structure 120D may keep the capsular bag open not onlyaxially and radially in the plane shown in FIG. 4C, but also along theoptic axis 112. In the embedment shown, the loops 122D have componentsparallel to the optic axis 112 both anterior and posterior to the optic112. Stated differently, the outer edge of the loops 122D are on theposterior side of the optic 110 while the connectors 124D (middleportions of the loops 122D) are on the anterior side of the optic 110.In other embodiments, this situation might be reversed. Alternatively,the loops 122D may extend only on the posterior side or only on theanterior side of the optic. In other embodiments, the loops 122D may besubstantially planar. In such an embodiment, the side view of the IOL100D may be similar to that of the IOL 100A. However, such an embodimentmay be less successful in extending the capsular bag along the opticaxis.

The mechanical stiffness and other properties of the hinged closed-loophaptic structure 120D may be tailored by configuring the hinges 125D,connectors 124D and loops 122D. For example, the axial stiffness,response to a radial force and force displacement curve may be tailoredby changing the number, cross-sectional area and material(s) used forthe hinges 125D, loops 122D and connectors 124D.

The IOL 100D may share many of the benefits of the IOLs 100A, 1006and/or 100C. The response to a radial force, force displacement curve,axial stiffness, vaulting and other mechanical properties can betailored to the desired specifications for the IOL 100D. This may beaccomplished using the cross-sectional area and materials for each ofthe hinges and connectors in the loops 122D. The large angle, fourmultiplied by ϕD (4ϕD), subtended by the closed loops 122D allows theclosed-loop haptic structure to contact a larger portion of and betterextend the capsular bag. The contact force between the closed loops 122Dand capsular bag may also be more uniform. The closed loops 122D mayalso extend the capsular bag along the optic axis 112 in addition toexpanding the capsular bag radially and axially. This may not onlyimprove the axial and rotational stability of the IOL 100D, but alsoreduce the formation of striae in the capsular bag. Thethree-dimensional configuration of the haptic 120D may be better able tokeep the capsular bag open while maintaining contact pressure betweenthe IOL 100D and the capsular bag. This may reduce postoperativecellular proliferation and/or reactivity. PCO may thus be mitigated orprevented. Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120Dmay further reduce PCO.

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100Ehaving an optic 110 and a hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120E. Forsimplicity, the ophthalmic device 100E is also referred to as an IOL100E. The IOL 100E is analogous to the IOLs 100A, 1008, 100C and 100D.Consequently, analogous components have similar labels. Thus, the IOL100E includes an optic 110 and hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120Ethat are analogous to the optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structures120A, 1208, 120C and 120D. For clarity, FIG. 5 are not to scale and notall components may be shown.

The IOL 100E is most analogous to the IOL 100D. The IOL 100E includesoptic 110 and hinged haptic structure 120E including loops 122E-1,122E-2 and 122E-3 (collectively 122E), axial connectors 124E-1, 124E-2and 124E-3 (collectively 124E) and hinges 125E (of which only one islabeled) that are analogous to optic 110 and hinged haptic structure120E including loops 122D, axial connectors 124D and hinges 125D. Theloops 122E and hinges 125E are analogous to the loop(s) 122A, 122Band/or 122C and hinges 125A and/or 125B.

The optic 110 is analogous to those previously discussed. The functionsof the loops 122E and axial connectors 124E are analogous to those ofthe loops 122D and axial connectors 124D. However, only three loops 122Eare present instead of four. The loops 122E are still distributed evenlyaround the optic 110 and subtends an angle per loop of, ϕE. In otherembodiments, the loops 122E need not be evenly distributed and/or maysubtend different angles in other embodiments.

The IOL 100E may share many of the benefits of the IOLs 100A, 1008, 100Cand/or 100D. The response to a radial force, force displacement curve,axial stiffness, vaulting and other mechanical properties can betailored to the desired specifications for the IOL 100E. This may beaccomplished using the cross-sectional area and materials for each ofthe hinges and connectors in the loops 122E. The large angle, threemultiplied by ϕE (3ϕE), subtended by the closed loops 122E allows theclosed-loop haptic structure to contact a larger portion of and betterextend the capsular bag. The contact force between the closed loops 122Eand capsular bag may also be more uniform. In addition, the closed loops122E may extend the capsular bag along the optic axis 112. This may notonly improve the axial and rotational stability of the IOL 100E, butalso reduce the formation of striae in the capsular bag. Thethree-dimensional configuration of the haptic 120E may be better able toexpand the capsular bag while maintaining contact pressure between theIOL 100E and the capsular bag. PCO may thus be mitigated or prevented.Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loop haptic structure 120E may furtherreduce PCO.

FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 150having an optic 110 and a hinged haptic structure 160. For simplicity,the ophthalmic device 150 is also referred to as an IOL 150. The IOL 150is analogous to the IOLs 100A, 1006, 100C and 100D in that the IOL 150has a hinged haptic structure. However, the hinged haptic structure 160is not a closed-loop haptic structure.

The optic 110 may be a refractive and/or diffractive lens and may bemonofocal, multifocal and/or toric. In some embodiments, the optic 160may be surrounded by another ring, or frame, (not shown) at theperiphery of the optic 160. Such a frame would be part of the hingedhaptic structure 160 and would couple the hinged haptic structure haptic160 with the optic 110. The inner portion of such frame would be desiredto match the shape of the optic 110. In other embodiments, such as thatshown in FIG. 6, the frame is omitted. In some embodiments, the hingedhaptic structure 160 and the optic 110 may be molded together. Thus, theoptic 110 and haptic 160 may form a single monolithic structure. Inother embodiments, the hinged haptic structure 160 may be otherwiseattached to the optic 110. For example, the hinged haptic structure 120Emay be bonded to or molded around a preexisting optic 110.

The hinged haptic structure 160 includes arms 162 having hinges 164-1and 164-2 (collectively 164) and axial connectors 166-1 and 166-2(collectively 166). The hinge 164-1 is approximately at the connectionto the optic 110. The axial connector 166-1 is between the hinges 164-1and 164-2. The hinge 164-2 is between the axial connectors 166-1 and166-2. The hinges 164-1 and 164-2 subtend angles of at least one hundreddegrees. In some embodiment, the angles may be at least one hundredtwenty degrees. The angles may exceed one hundred fifty degrees. Forexample, the angles may be nominally one hundred eighty degrees. Thehinges 164-1 and 164-2 may also be curved as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, thehinges 164-1 and 164-2 may be viewed as semicircular hinges. The axialmember 166-2 is further from the optic 110 than the axial member 166-1.From the hinge 164-1 to the outer end of the arms 162, the axial members166-1 and 166-2 may be seen as extending in the clockwise andcounter-clockwise direction, respectively. Additional hinges and axialmembers (not shown) may be included in other embodiments. The stiffnessand other mechanical characteristics of the arms 162 may be tailoredusing the cross-sectional area of the arms 162 and the hinges 164-1 and164-2.

The hinges 164-1 and 164-2 subtend large angles and the outer connectors166-2 are substantially perpendicular to the radial direction. The arms162 thus subtend large angles, ϕF. Consequently, the arms 162 may bebetter able to fully extend the capsular bag than a conventional haptic.

The IOL 150 may share many of the benefits of the IOLs 100A, 1006, 100C,100D and/or 100E. The response to a radial force, force displacementcurve, axial stiffness, vaulting and other mechanical properties can betailored to the desired specifications for the IOL 150. This may beaccomplished using the cross-sectional area and materials for each ofthe hinges and connectors in the arms 160. The large angle ϕF subtendedby the arms 162 allows the haptic structure to contact a larger portionof and better extend the capsular bag. This may not only improve theaxial and rotational stability of the IOL 150, but also reduce theformation of striae in the capsular bag. PCO may thus be mitigated orprevented. Sharp edges for the hinged closed-loop haptic structure 160may further reduce PCO.

Various features of the IOLs 100A, 1006, 100C, 100D, 100E and 150 havebeen described herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat one or more of these features may be combined in manners notexplicitly disclosed herein and that are not inconsistent with themethod and apparatus described.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different devices or applications. It will alsobe appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which alternatives,variations and improvements are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

1. An ophthalmic device comprising: an optic including an optic axis;and a haptic structure coupled with the optic, the haptic structurecomprising: an inner ring comprising a plurality of hinges such thatportions of the inner ring reside at different radii from the opticaxis; a first loop extending from the inner ring and having at least twopoints of connection to the inner ring; and a second loop extending fromthe inner ring and having at least two points of connection to the innerring, the second loop oriented opposite the first loop.
 2. Theophthalmic device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of strutseach extending substantially radially outward from the optic andconnection the optic and the inner ring.
 3. The ophthalmic device ofclaim 2, wherein the plurality of struts are spaced evenly around theperiphery of the optic.
 4. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, whereineach the plurality of hinges subtends a first angle, the first each ofthe plurality of hinges being substantially equal.
 5. The ophthalmicdevice of claim 1, wherein: the first loop subtends a first angle; thesecond loop subtends a second angle; and the first angle and the secondangle have substantially the same value, the value being greater than orequal to ninety degrees.